ASSESSMENT OF A PHASE II MITIGATION SITE: SYNTHESIS …...supply for birds and snakes and cascade down via decreased predation pressure on invertebrates). If constructed wetlands do

Wyoming Department of Transportation Research Proposal. Muths et al., September 2014

1

ASSESSMENT OF A PHASE II MITIGATION SITE: SYNTHESIS OF MULTI-

SPECIES PRESENCE DATA AND LONG-TERM AMPHIBIAN DATA

WYDOT Sponsor

Bob Bonds

Environmental Coordinator, WYDOT

5300 Bishop Blvd.,

Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340

307-777-4364

FAX: 307 777-4193

[email protected]

Principal Investigators

Erin Muths

U.S. Geological Survey

2150 Centre Ave. Bldg C

Fort Collins, CO 80526

970-226-9474

FAX: 970-226-9230

[email protected]

Blake Hossack


790 E. Beckwith Ave.

Missoula, MT 59807

406-542-3245

[email protected]

David Pilliod


970 Lusk Street

Boise, ID 83706

208-426-5202

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





2

In collaboration with

Maggie Schilling

Northern Rockies Research Conservation Cooperative

Jackson, WY 83001

Submitted to:

Wyoming Department of Transportation

Programming Research Unit

5300 bishop Blvd

Cheyenne, WY 82009

12 September 2014


3

B. Table of Contents

Problem Statement ……………………………………………………………………….…….4

Background………………………………………………………………………….……….…5

Study Objectives………….…………………………………………………………….….…...6

Study Benefits……………………………………………………………………………….….8

Applicable Questions…………………………………………………………………………...8

Work Plan / Scope………………………………………………………………………….…...9

Work Schedule……………………………………………………………………….……...….9

Cost Estimate…………………………………………………………………………………...9

Implementation Process………………………………………………………………………...9

Technology Transfer………………………………………………………………..….….…..10

Special Requirements (Staffing)…………………….…………………………….…………..10

Literature Cited……………………………………………………………..…..…...…………11

Budget………………………………………………………………………………...………..13

Table 1: Blackrock sites and associated tasks/data……………………………………………14


4

C. Problem Statement

Evaluating of the success of mitigation projects is typically limited to a description of the

topography and physical wetland characteristics of the site. Quantitative data on the use of the

mitigation site by aquatic and terrestrial wildlife is frequently lacking but can contribute valuable

information for assessing mitigation efforts and for planning for future projects.

Activities designed to mitigate the impacts on U.S. waters from road construction and

other activities associated with such large-scale projects are required by federal and state laws

(e.g., U.S. Corps of Engineers, compensatory regulations section 404B-1guidelines). Early

wetland mitigation efforts were often unsuccessful, but stricter requirements and increased

knowledge about wetland function have increased the success of such projects. The aggregate pit

associated with the re-construction of the road between Moran Junction and Dubois (Wyoming

highway 26/287) is located at the U.S. Forest Service Blackrock Ranger Station work compound

(Blackrock) on the south side of the Buffalo Fork River in Teton County, WY. The mitigation

site excavated near the aggregate pit was designed to provide woody riparian scrub-shrub

wetland habitat as mitigation for area lost in the same watershed due to road construction. The

wetland mitigation site was constructed in 2007 and vegetated in 2008. Phase II was completed

in summer 2014. Quantitative information on the use of these mitigation sites by wildlife is

lacking. Preliminary data (Muths et al. unpublished data) indicate that there were multiple

amphibian species breeding in Phase I and that birds and bats were in the area, but there are no

data on other taxa. Quantifying the use of these sites by wildlife is an important consideration in

determining the success of mitigation sites.

Four species of amphibians native to Wyoming, including the boreal toad, reside on the

Blackrock compound. Our research indicates that the toad population at Blackrock is declining at

5-6% per year and that disease due to the amphibian chytrid fungus is contributing to this decline

(Muths et al. 2008, Pilliod et al. 2010, Murphy et al. 2009, 2011). This fungal disease is not

particular to Wyoming but is having devastating effects on amphibian populations worldwide

(Lips et al. 2006, Skerratt et al. 2007, Muths et al. 2003).

As of 2013, 3 of 4 native amphibian species established breeding populations (evidenced

by breeding behavior, eggs or tadpoles) at the Phase I wetland mitigation site at Blackrock. The

4th

native species, the Columbia spotted frog, bred at the mitigation site for the first time in 2013.

These observations suggest that the Phase I wetland mitigation site provides at least adequate, if

not preferred, habitat for these species. In addition, the Phase I wetland mitigation site possesses

characteristics that are typically “good” for amphibians: adequate shallows to support breeding,

aquatic vegetation to provide refuge from predators, and water through the summer to allow

metamorphosis. We suspect that food resources (aquatic invertebrates) and hibernation sites are

adequate and conducive to the presence of amphibians, and have collected the preliminary data

to assess these factors. With the completion of Phase II, characteristics (e.g., connectivity,

amount of shallows, margin characteristics) have changed, with a likely effect on amphibian

breeding effort. For example, we observed toads at the margins of the Phase II water body.

The primary breeding site for these amphibians was an oxbow of the Buffalo Fork River

adjacent to Blackrock. In the spring of 2011, the levee separating the oxbow from the river was

breached by late and heavy spring run-off, most likely destroying amphibian reproductive efforts

that year. We observed greatly reduced breeding activity in the oxbow in subsequent years

(2012-2013), suggesting that breeding habitat provided by the mitigation site may now be even

more important to the amphibian populations at Blackrock.


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The mitigation site and the surrounding wetland landscape provide an excellent

natural laboratory to quantify mitigation efforts at Blackrock. Although long-term efforts

are necessary to quantify the ultimate success of the wetland mitigation site, our research over

the last 12 years puts us in the unique position of being able to provide quantitative data about

the mitigation site in a relatively short time. This proposal builds on that capability. Our

proposed work takes advantage of an extraordinary opportunity to compare a newly minted

mitigation site (Blackrock Phase II), an established mitigation site (“Snow Oval”, eastern side of

Togwotee Pass, Shoshone District of the Bridger Teton National Forest), and the reference

wetlands at Blackrock and Togwotee Pass. By examining differences in the presence and use

(i.e. breeding) of these sites by a variety of taxa, we can draw conclusions about the efficacy of

the Blackrock wetland mitigation site, now at Phase II, within the context of the surrounding

landscape.

D. Background

Wetlands are one of the world’s most endangered environments (Mitch and Goselink,

2007). Approximately 53% of wetlands in the lower 48 United States were lost between 1780

and 1980 (USGS, http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/wetlands/wetloss/summary.htm), and

over 50% of wetlands have been lost in the developed world following European expansion.

Recent meta-analyses indicate that created habitats do not fully replace natural wetlands (Ray

Benayas 2009, Moreno-Mateos et al. 2012). For example, restored wetlands are 25% less

productive than natural wetlands. Communities in small, depressional wetlands in cold temperate

forests are especially slow to recover to reference conditions, and restored habitats may provide

foraging areas, but not breeding habitat that it is designed to replace (Moreno-Mateos et al. 2012,

Queheillalt and Morrison 2006). Furthermore, there is concern that design elements of

constructed wetlands may increase disease transmission in amphibians, which could reduce the

long-term viability of these habitats (Harp and Petranka 2006, Greer and Collins 2008) by

altering food webs (i.e., decline or extirpation of amphibians will cascade up via decreased food

supply for birds and snakes and cascade down via decreased predation pressure on invertebrates).

If constructed wetlands do not function similarly to those that are lost, the net result is altered

ecosystem structure and biological communities. While our primary focus remains the 4-species

of native amphibians, by integrating data on invertebrates and the more visible species (birds,

bats, and large mammals) we can provide a broader view of the biological communities present

in Phase II mitigation site at Blackrock.

Even though mitigation sites typically do not fully compensate for the function and

productivity of the wetlands they replace, there is evidence that many (but not all) local

amphibians can persist in these sites (Shulse et al. 2010, Petranka et al. 2007, Lesbarreres et al.

2010). Most mitigation sites are constructed to hold water year-round; however, it is becoming

more common for mitigation plans to require construction of temporary or semi-permanent

wetlands, which poses new challenges to wetland design. Mitigation wetlands with temporary or

semi-permanent hydroperiods are also recommended to prevent establishment by fishes, which

can strongly alter community structure (Shulse et al. 2013).

The effects of global climate change—including changes in the form, timing, and amount

of precipitation (IPCC 2012)—are likely to increase challenges of designing temporary wetlands.

Changes in precipitation will likely be compounded by increased summer temperatures that can

reduce water availability and stress animals, creating synergies that magnify negative effects


6

(IPCC 2012, Laurence and Williamson 2001, Wenger et al. 2011). These changes pose

especially serious threats to aquatic biodiversity in arid regions like western North America.

Drought is shortening wetland hydroperiods, resulting in greater local extinction rates for

amphibians (Corn and Fogleman 1984, Hossack et al. 2013, McMenamin et al. 2008). Based on

recognition that wetlands are being lost globally, and that climate change is a severe threat to

these sensitive habitats, there is a growing need to determine how to engineer replacement

habitats to provide appropriate conditions for local species while also providing resistance to

drought (Shoo et al. 2011). Unfortunately, quantitative data on differences in vital rates of

animals between constructed and natural wetlands, and the mechanisms behind the differences,

are lacking. This information is critical if we are to design and construct mitigation wetlands that

host communities similar to, and function as, natural wetlands.

E. Study Objectives

Our overall objective is to quantify the success of the mitigation project at Blackrock

(now in Phase II). We will also include the Snow Oval mitigation site and mitigation wetlands

along Togwotee Pass. Results will provide information for future mitigation efforts in this and

similar types of habitat and provide evidence of successful wetland mitigation efforts.

OBJECTIVE 1:

To provide quantitative information on the status of two populations of amphibians (chorus frogs

and boreal toads), including estimates of demographic parameters (survival, recruitment and

population size) and disease status. The data collection proposed here is a critical addition to our

existing data set and will increase the precision of the estimates of demographic parameters. This

will occur at 6 focal ponds at Blackrock (3 mitigation, 3 reference).

Approach:

1. We will collect 2 years of demographic data on the amphibian communities using

capture-recapture methods at focal ponds in the mitigation sites (Phase I and II), Swan

Pond (the older mitigation site) and at 3 naturally occurring wetland areas (n = 6 ponds).

Capture-recapture methodology involves capturing animals, giving them a unique mark

(the mark depends on the species, all methods used have been approved by the

appropriate animal care committees at USGS) and then using program MARK (White

and Burnham 1999) to assess the data. We have extensive experience with these

statistical methods and program MARK (e.g., Muths et al. 2010, Muths et al. 2011,

Muths and Scherer 2011).

2. Disease: The amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) is a

concern, especially for boreal toads. We will sample for Bd in approximately 20

individuals per species, per year. To sample for Bd, the animal’s skin is rubbed with a

cotton swab that is then preserved in ethanol and sent to a laboratory for molecular

analysis (J. Kerby, University of South Dakota). Limited disease testing is currently

funded, but additional testing will allow us to explore host-pathogen relationships among

the fungus, a susceptible species (boreal toad), and a species that is a putative carrier of

the disease, but not significantly affected by it (chorus frog). These data will allow us to

determine if constructed wetlands increase disease transmission.


7

Application:

Results will provide justification for WYDOT and similar agencies to construct wetlands with

semi-permanent hydroperiods and a combination of woody riparian scrub-shrub and open water

elements, (i.e., Phase I with 1.0 m to 1.5 m maximum depth), rather than focusing exclusively on

ephemeral or permanent sites or wetlands that have a uniform plant community, as is currently

common in wetland mitigation.

OBJECTIVE 2:

To collect information on a broad array of taxa present at mitigation and reference sites. These

data will provide insights into what animals are using the site, and in some cases, the phenology

and intensity of use. These data will be collected at 6 wetlands at Blackrock , the “SnowOval”

mitigation site, and 9 wetlands on Togwotee Pass. The Togwotee Pass wetlands include 3

wetlands impacted by road construction (e.g., road expansion reduced size of the wetland), 3

created or mitigation wetlands, and 3 wetlands that were not impacted by road construction.

Approach:

1. Visual encounter surveys (Heyer et al. 1994) will be used to determine the presence of

amphibians at the sites. Egg mass counts will be used to provide an index to breeding

population size of Columbia spotted frogs (1 egg mass = 1 female; Hossack et al. 2013).

2. Disease sampling (as above), ≤ 20 samples collected per species per site.

3. Bird, bat and amphibian call surveys will be assessed using automated recording units

(ARU, a technology we have used, e.g., Corn et al. 2011b) placed at 9 wetlands. These

data will provide an idea of the intensity of use, the species that are using the areas, and

the phenology (timing of when they are present). For example, the ARUs record

amphibian breeding choruses (chorus frogs, spotted frogs), indicating when amphibians

are breeding, and bird and bat calls that provide information on the species using the site,

the timing of use and the intensity of use. These data will help us characterize differences

and similarities between mitigation and reference sites.

4. Invertebrates will be sampled during the summer at 16 wetlands. We will use sweep nets

to collect invertebrates, preserve them in ethanol and then identify them to family and

some to species (sensu Hossack et al. 2010). We will describe the community structure of

wetland invertebrates, which can be a key indicator of wetland health (e.g., Wray and

Bayley 2006, Sharma and Rawat 2008).

5. Mammal surveys: We will use track surveys and infra-red cameras (Espartosa et al. 2011,

Lyra-Jorge et al. 2008, Jennelle et al. 2002) at the sites to determine the presence and

activity of medium to large mammals.

Application:

Although an assessment of the presence or density of organisms alone does not prove that the

habitat is of adequate quality to support continued use by the observed organisms (Robinson

et al. 1995), it is a first step in determining which taxa to focus on for more quantitative

research and provides first lines of evidence that mitigation sites are functioning in a similar

way to natural sites.


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F. Study Benefits

Wetland mitigation efforts are applied to a landscape with the aim of being permanent or

at least persisting for a reasonable number of years. The Blackrock project proposed here is

invaluable because it already has a jump start on data collection and can provide a defensible

quantitative evaluation of amphibian, invertebrate, bird, and bat use of the wetland mitigation

site and a well-planned evaluation of large mammal presence.

Mitigation is a required activity. Evidence of the use of a variety of animals at various

stages during the project indicates successful mitigation. Results can be used by WYDOT and

other agencies to identify wetland designs that simultaneously meet Army Corps of Engineers

mitigation requirements and provide the best option for promoting community recovery.

Additionally, such information can be used to streamline design decisions for future wetland

mitigation projects. Specifically, The Army Corps of Engineers has special conditions requiring

shrub wetland creation, a habitat type which is often difficult to establish (B. Bonds, pers.

comm.). An important aspect of this project is that it is likely to provide evidence that mitigation

wetlands with a combination of woody shrubs and open water increase community richness,

compared to wetlands with few shrubs or those that are dominated by shrubs. Mitigation with

this type of wetland as an endpoint rather than the typical endpoint of a shrub

monoculture would make the construction of mitigation sites simpler and less expensive.

Furthermore, required monitoring could be concluded sooner, saving considerable costs. While our efforts focus primarily on amphibians, we assess the presence of a variety of

animals that are likely to benefit from "amphibian friendly" habitats, specifically birds, bats, and

large mammals. We expect information from this study will have broad applicability to wetland

mitigation nationwide. The Blackrock project is an excellent opportunity for collaboration

among the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S.

Geological Survey. The data gathered will be used not only to inform and support mitigation

efforts, but also to inform management decisions about amphibians on the Bridger-Teton

National Forest and specifically at Blackrock. This project provides excellent opportunities for

public outreach and education.

G. Applicable Question

1. N/A

2. N/A

3. Implementation would begin in the spring of 2015, exact timing contingent on amphibian

emergence from hibernation

4. Yes, Wyoming Game and Fish permits are in place (33-350_2014) and will be renewed

for 2015 – 2017.

5. Major unknown factors are the timing of snowmelt which determines access to sites and

breeding phenology of amphibians.

6. Yes, we make contingency plans each season but they result in low or no cost changes.

7. There are no reasons to segment this study.

8. N/A

9. N/A


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H. Statement of Work

Work Plan and Scope:

Initial logistical problems have been solved such that the implementation of this project will be

efficient. We plan to be on-site during spring 2015, with field work and analyses following the

schedule below. With the inclusion of the Blackrock mitigation site, the Snow Oval, and several

mitigation wetlands on Togwotee Pass, we anticipate that the applicability of the results will be

broad, extending to mitigation efforts in similar habitats. Furthermore, we plan to recruit a

Master’s of Science student to summarize and analyze the data collected 2012-2014, providing a

solid link between the data collection from the original and the newly proposed aspects of the

project. We have already secured part-time Teaching Assistant salary for a graduate student at

the University of Montana, which will produce significant cost savings to the project.

Work Schedule:

May 2015–May 2017

--Second phase of data collection as described above for amphibians, invertebrates, birds, bats,

and large mammals and initiation of additional work (surveys, camera traps, Snow Oval site).

--Principal Investigators and graduate student will collect data as describe above at all sites.

--Data quality assurance, analysis, writing.

Cost Estimate:

2 years: $69,241.20. Please see budget (below).

I. Change Order Information and Agreements

N/A

J. Implementation Process

The information that we provide from this research may have substantial impact as

WYDOT defines alternative actions or alternative endpoints that could be implemented

during subsequent mitigation efforts, potentially saving time and costs. Our work

underscores the importance of understanding the role of amphibians in this type of wetland and

their habitat-specific needs. We expand this species-specific context to include other taxa thereby

presenting a more inclusive picture of how the mitigation site is functioning in terms of wildlife.

This information will provide another tool for the mitigation toolbox, perhaps expanding

alternatives in the implementation of other wetland mitigation activities. For example, this

project will determine the suitability of the wetland mitigation site for amphibians as it currently

presents itself (“a lower functioning wetland”). Typically “higher functioning wetlands” include

mature willows of a particular density and size, but such characteristics may not be appropriate

for amphibians and may not be critical for other species (e.g., invertebrate communities). A

“lower functioning wetland” that reduces cost and effort to WYDOT, but that is providing

preferred habitat to species of concern (i.e., amphibians), may be a preferable goal for mitigation.

Amphibians are generally present at wetland sites; they eat a variety of invertebrates and may be


10

prey items for birds, snakes, some invertebrates and occasionally mammals. Thus, they are

important components of wetland sites and contribute to a healthy wetland ecosystem.

K. Technology Transfer

We will provide updates to WYDOT through presentations at the Wyoming Department of

Transportation and Wyoming Contractor’s Association Training Conferences, or other venues

such as meetings with the Forest Service. We will summarize major findings in a full-color,

easily understood fact sheet that can be available for public outreach and communication. We

will also present results at 3 or more professional meetings and will publish at least 2 peer-

reviewed papers over the course of the project. In addition to WYDOT, other agencies will likely

find our results useful, including the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and various

state agencies involved with amphibian conservation such as the Wyoming Game and Fish

Department and the Colorado Boreal Toad Recovery Team. We have presented our work on this

project at the Forest Service in Jackson, Wyoming, to the Wyoming Department of

Transportation and Wyoming Contractor’s Association Training Conference in 2012, and as an

update to the RAC in January 2014. Earlier data from Blackrock has been incorporated in

multiple publications and presentations locally and internationally (see attached investigator

CVs). Data from the Blackrock site are currently under analysis for manuscripts in preparation.

L. Special Requirements

1. Staffing

a. Technicians will be competitively hired.

b. Graduate student (University of Montana) with 2 years of experience at Blackrock

has been competitively selected.

c. Please see the CVs of each of the collaborating scientists.

d. Maggie Schilling, The Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative (NRCC), will

administrate the funding, hiring, and purchasing with direction from the

collaborating scientists.

2. Equipment

a. Equipment is either available or listed in the budget below (e.g., cameras for

camera traps).

3. Deliverables: quarterly progress reports to WYDOT, draft and final reports and executive

summary, copies of any published manuscripts.

4. Responsibilities of parties: Muths, Hossack, Pilliod (scientists) – maintain data, advise

and guide student and technicians, oversee project, initiate and complete manuscript

preparation; Schilling – administrate funding, hiring and purchasing; Swartz (graduate

student) and technician (TBA) – collect data under direction of PIs, enter data into

appropriate spreadsheets, maintain adequate field records, communicate with PIs, NRCC,

Forest Service and WYDOT on project updates and issues, assist in report writing and

manuscript preparation.

Literature cited:


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Spread of Chytridiomycosis Has Caused the Rapid Global Decline and Extinction of Frogs Ecohealth. DOI:

10.1007/s10393-007-0093-5.

Wenger, S. J. et al. 2011. Flow regime, temperature, and biotic interactions drive differential declines of trout

species under climate change. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 108, 14175–14180.

White, G.C. and Burnham, K.P. 1999. Program MARK: survival estimation from populations of marked animals.

Bird Study, 46(Suppl.), 120–130.

Wray, H.E. and S.E. Bayley. 2006. A review of indicators of wetland health and function in Alberta’s prairie, aspen

parkland and boreal dry mixedwood regions. Environmental Policy Branch, Alberta Environment, Oxbridge

Place 9820, 106th

St., Edmonton, Alberta T5K2J6. environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7869.pdf.


13

PROJECT TITLE: MULTI-SPECIES ASSESSMENT OF A PHASE II MITIGATION SITE:

SYNTHESIS OF MULTI-SPECIES PRESENCE DATA AND LONG-TERM AMPHIBIAN

DATA

AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg. C,

Fort Collins, CO 80526, in collaboration with USGS Northern Rockies Science Center,

Missoula, MT and USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Snake River Field

Station, Boise, ID

P.I.: Erin Muths (USGS), Blake Hossack (USGS), David Pilliod (USGS)

BUDGET PERIOD: 1 May 2015 – 30 December 2017

Research Agency: Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, Maggie Schilling, 185 Center

St., P.O. Box 2705, Jackson, WY 83001, 307-733-6856, FAX: 307-733-6574,

[email protected]

CONTRACT PERIOD: BUDGET: 2015-2017

Funds Requested


14

Table 1: Data collected thus far at each of the Blackrock and Togwotee Pass sites.

Wetland Site Frog & Bat Recorders

Egg Mass Countsa

Invertebrate Samples

Visual

Encounter Survey (all

amphibians)

Capture-recapture

AMMAb

BUBO

PSMA

RALU

BRc-Oxbow 2010–2014 2011–2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2012–2013 2003–2014 ― 2012–2014

BR-Mitigation 2011–2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2012–2013 2010–2014 2010–2014 2012–2014 BR-Swan 2013-2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2012–2013 2005–2014 ― 2012–2014

BR-Midway ― 2013-2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2012–2013 2012–2014 ― 2012–2014 BR-Heron 2013-2014 2013-2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 2013 2012–2014 ― 2012–2014 BR-Marsh ― 2013-2014 2012 2012–2014 2013 2012–2014 ― 2012–2014 BR-Chick ― 2013-2014 2012 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

BR-NorthDike ― 2013-2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ― BR-SouthDike ― 2013-2014 2012 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

BR-Raptor ― 2013-2014 2012 2012–2014 ― ― ― ― BR-Roundworm ― 2013-2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Togd_12AC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_12BI ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_12CI ― 2014 2012 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_12DC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_13AC ― 2014 2013-2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_13BC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_13EC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_14BC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_14CI ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_15AI ― 2014 2012–2013 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_16AC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_16BC ― 2014 2013-2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_16CR ― 2014 2012-2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_17AI ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_17BI ― 2014 2013-2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_17CC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_17DR ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_17ER ― 2014 2013-2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_19AC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_19BI ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_21AR ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_21BR ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_21CR ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_24CC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_25AC ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_25BI ― 2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_25CR ― 2014 2012–2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_26AI ― 2014 ― 2012–2014 ― ― ― ―

Tog_26BC ― 2014 2013-2014 2012–2014 ― ― ― ― aFor Columbia spotted frogs only.

bTrapping for salamanders has been unsuccessful and was terminated in 2014.

cBR indicates wetlands near the Blackrock Ranger Staion.

dTog indicates wetlands along Togwotee Pass. The last letter in the site name indicates whether it is an impacted

wetland (I), created wetland (C), or reference/unimpacted wetland (R).


15

Short CVs of Principle investigators follow: Muths, Hossack, and Pilliod

ERIN MUTHS Curriculum vitae

USGS - BRD, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO 80526, 970-226-9474; E-mail: [email protected]

home: 3313 W. Vine Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80521, 970-221-5627

ACADEMIC RECORD Doctor of Philosophy, Zoology University of Queensland, Department of Zoology, Brisbane, Australia, January 1997.

Dissertation title: Reproductive Physiology and Ecology of Female Red Kangaroos (Macropus rufus).

Master of Science, Biology-Systematics and Ecology Kansas State University, Division of Biology, Manhattan, KS, October 1990. Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Ecology-Natural Sciences University of Wisconsin, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Madison, WI, May 1986. RECENT GRANTS

John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis: Elucidating mechanisms

underlying amphibian declines in North America using hierarchical spatial models; Research Support – E. Muths, E.H.C. Grant and D.A.W. Miller. 2014-2015.

Wyoming Department of Transportation, Research Advisory Committee: Evaluation of a mitigation site: amphibian population dynamics; Research support – E. Muths, S. Corn, B. Hossack and D. Pilliod 2012-2014.

Natural Resources Preservation Program / Park Oriented Biological Support: Investigating the impact of introduced, endangered cutthroat trout on boreal toad breeding success and recruitment; Research Support – E. Muths, L. Bailey, M.K. Watry 2012.

USGS-Rescue Data Program: Capture-recapture and disease data from the 1960: an important addition to boreal chorus frog biology; Research Support – E. Muths and S. Corn 2012.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE --U.S. Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division (Zoologist, GS14 - 4) – 1995 – present. --University of Queensland - PhD research and Tutor, 1991-1995 REFEREED PUBLICATIONS - selected Muths, E., L.L. Bailey, & M.K. Watry. 2014. Animal reintroductions: an innovative assessment of

survival. Biological Conservation, 172: 200-208. Muths, E., R.D. Scherer, & J. Bosch. 2013. Evidence for plasticity in the frequency of skipped

breeding opportunities in common toads. Population Ecology DOI: 10.1007/s10144-013-0381-6


16

Adams, M.J., D.A. Miller, E. Muths, P.S. Corn, E.H.C. Grant, et al. 2013. Trends in amphibian occupancy in the United States. PLoS ONE vol. 8 (5) e64347. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0064347.g003.

Daversa, D., E. Muths, & J. Bosch. 2012. Assessing the terrestrial movement patterns & habitat preferences of the common toad (Bufo bufo) in a montane area of Central Spain. 46: 658-664, Journal of Herpetology.

Scherer, R.D., E. Muths, & B.R. Noon. 2012. The importance of local & l&scape-scale processes to the occupancy of wetl&s by pond-breeding amphibians. Population Ecology, 54: 487-498.

Amburgey, S., W.C. Funk, M.A. Murphy, & E. Muths. 2012. Effects of hydroperiod duration on survival, developmental rate, & size at metamorphosis in boreal chorus frog tadpoles (Pseudacris maculata). Herpetologica.68: 456-467.

Scherer, R.D., E. Muths, B.R. Noon, & S.J. Oyler-McCance.2012.The genetic structure of a relict population of wood frogs. Conservation Genetics. 13: 1521-1530.

Muths, E. & R.D. Scherer. 2011.Portrait of a small population of boreal toads. Herpetologica 67:369-377.

Corn, P.S., E. Muths, A. Kissel, & R.D. Scherer. 2011. Breeding chorus intensity is weakly related to estimated abundance of boreal chorus frogs. Copeia 3:365-371.

Muths, E., D.S. Pilliod, & R.D. Scherer. 2011. Compensatory effects of recruitment & survival on population persistence. Journal of Applied Ecology 48: 873 – 879.

Woodhams, D.C., J. Bosch, C.J. Briggs, S. Cashins, L.R. Davis, A. Lauer, E. Muths, R. Puschendorf, B.R. Schmidt, B. Shaefor & J. Voyles. 2011. Mitigating amphibian disease: Strategies to maintain wild populations. Frontiers in Zoology 8:8.

Muths, E., R.D. Scherer, & B.A. Lambert. 2010. Survival Estimates & Evidence for Skipped Breeding Opportunities for a Female Bufonid. Methods in Ecology & Evolution 1: 123 – 130.

Pilliod, D.S., E. Muths, R.D. Scherer, P.E. Bartelt, P.S. Corn, B.R. Hossack et al. 2010. Impact of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) Infection on Individual Survival Probability of wild boreal toads. Conservation Biology 24:1259-1267.

Hossack, B.R., E. Muths, C.W. &erson, J.D. Kirshtein, & P.S. Corn. 2009. Distribution limits of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: A case study in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 45(4):1198 - 1202.

Muths, E.,, B. Spurre Pedersen, & F. Spurre Pedersen. 2009. How relevant is opportunistic Bd sampling: Are we ready for the big picture? Herpetological Review 40:183–184.

Muths, E.,, D.S. Pilliod, & L. Livo. 2008. Distribution & environmental limitations of an amphibian pathogen in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Biological Conservation 141: 1484–1492.

Scherer, R.S., E. Muths, & B.A. Lambert. 2008. The effects of weather on survival in populations of boreal toads in Colorado, U.S.A. Journal of Herpetology 42 (3): 508–517.

Muths, E., & V.J. Dreitz. 2008. Designing monitoring programs to assess reintroduction efforts: a critical component in recovery. Animal Biodiversity & Conservation 31: 47–56.

Muths, E., R.D. Scherer, P.S. Corn, & B.A. Lambert. 2006. Estimation of temporary emigration in male toads. Ecology 87(4): 1048–1056.

SERVICE / MEMBERSHIPS Member – Colorado Boreal Toad Recovery Team 1996 – present Member – Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles 2000 – present Co-Editor, Journal of Herpetology 2010 – 2014 Member – Herpetologists’ League 2007 – present Executive Council 2007 – 2011 Graduate student committee member (1 PhD, 2 masters) current


17

Blake R. Hossack, Research Zoologist U.S. Geological Survey – Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center,

Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute,

790 E. Beckwith Ave., Missoula MT 59801

ph: 406-542-3245; email: [email protected]

Education

2011 Ph.D., Fish & Wildlife Biology, University of Montana

1998 M.S., Wildlife Biology, University of Idaho

1996 B.S., Wildlife Biology, University of Montana

Selected Publications

Davenport, J. M., B. R. Hossack, and W. H. Lowe. 2014. Partitioning the non-consumptive effects of

predators on prey with complex life histories. Oecologia 176:149-155.

Hossack, B. R., M. J. Adams, C. A. Pearl, K. W. Wilson, E. L. Bull, K. Lohr, D. Patla, D. S. Pilliod, J.

M. Jones, K. K. Wheeler, S. P. Mckay, and P. S. Corn. 2013. Roles of patch characteristics, drought

frequency, and restoration in long-term trends of a widespread amphibian. Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology 27:1410-1420.

Hossack, B.R., W. H. Lowe, M. A. H. Webb, Mariah J. Talbott, K. M. Kappenman, and P. S. Corn. 2013.

Population-level thermal performance of a cold-water ectotherm is linked to ontogeny and local

environmental heterogeneity. Freshwater Biology 58: 2215-2225.

Hossack, B. R., and R. L. Newell. 2013. New distribution record for the rare limpet Acroloxus

coloradensis (Henderson, 1930) (Gastropoda: Acroloxidae) from Montana. The Nautilus 127: 40-41.

Hossack, B. R., W. H. Lowe, R. K. Honeycutt, S. A. Parks, and P. S. Corn. 2013. Interactive effects of

wildfire, forest management, and isolation on amphibian and parasite abundance. Ecological

Applications 23: 479-492.

Hossack, B. R., W. H. Lowe, J. L. Ware, and P. S. Corn. 2013. Disease in a dynamic landscape: Host

behavior and wildfire reduce amphibian chytrid infection. Biological Conservation 157:293-299.

Hossack, B. R., W. H. Lowe, and P. S. Corn. 2013. Rapid increases and time-lagged declines in

amphibian occupancy after wildfire. Conservation Biology 27: 219-228.

Gould, W.R., D.A. Patla, R. Daley, P.S. Corn, B.R. Hossack, R. Bennetts, and C. R. Peterson. 2012.

Estimating occupancy in large landscapes: evaluation of amphibian monitoring in the Greater

Yellowstone ecosystem. Wetlands 32: 379-389.

Hossack, B.R., R. L. Newell, and D. E. Ruiter. 2011. New collection records and range extension for the

caddisfly Arctopora salmon (Smith, 1969) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). Pan-Pacific Entomologist

87(3): 206–208.

Hossack, B. R., and D. S. Pilliod. 2011. Amphibian responses to wildfire in the West: emerging patterns

from short-term studies. Fire Ecology 7(2):129-144.

Pilliod, D.S., E. Muths, R. D. Scherer, P. E. Bartelt, P. S. Corn, B. R. Hossack, B. A. Lambert, R.

McCaffery, and C. Gaughan. 2010. Effects of amphibian chytrid fungus on individual survival

probability in wild boreal toads. Conservation Biology 24: 1259-1267.

Hossack, B. R., M. J. Adams, E. H. Campbell Grant, C. A. Pearl, J. B. Bettaso, W. J. Barichivich, W. H.

Lowe, K. True, J. L. Ware, and P. S. Corn. 2010. Low prevalence of chytrid fungus

(Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in U.S. headwater amphibians. Journal of Herpetology 44: 253-

260.

Hossack, B. R., R. L. Newell, and C. R. Rogers. 2010. Branchiopods (Anostraca, Notostraca) from

protected areas of western Montana. Northwest Science 84(1): 52-59.

Hossack, B. R., E. Muths, C. Anderson, J. Kirshstein, and P. S. Corn. 2009. Distribution limits of the

amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: a case study in the Rocky Mountains, USA.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases 45(4): 1198-1102.



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Newell, R. L., and B. R. Hossack. 2009. Large, wetland-associated mayflies of Glacier National Park,

Montana. Western North American Naturalist 69(3): 335-342.

Hossack, B. R., L. A. Eby, C. G. Guscio, and P. S. Corn. 2009. Thermal characteristics of amphibian

microhabitats in a fire-disturbed landscape. Forest Ecology and Management 258: 1414-1421.

Hossack, B. R., and P. S. Corn. 2007. Responses of pond-breeding amphibians to wildfire: short-term

patterns in occupancy and colonization. Ecological Applications 17(5): 1403-1410.

Hossack, B. R., P. S. Corn, and D. B. Fagre. 2006. Divergent patterns of abundance and age-class

structure of headwater stream tadpoles in burned and unburned watersheds. Canadian Journal of

Zoology 84(10):1482-1888.

Hossack, B.R. 2006. Amphibians and wildfire in the U.S. northwest. International Journal of Wilderness

12:26, 43.

Hossack, B. R., S. A. Diamond, P. S. Corn. 2006. Distribution of boreal toad populations in relation to

estimated UV-B dose in Glacier National Park, Montana. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(1):98-

107.

Hossack, B. R., D. S. Pilliod, and P. S. Corn. 2005. Lack of significant changes in the herpetofauna of

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, since the 1920s. American Midland Naturalist

154: 423-432.

Corn, P. S., B. R. Hossack, E. Muths, D. Patla, C. R. Peterson, and A. L. Gallant. 2005. Status of

amphibians on the Continental Divide: surveys on a transect from Montana to Colorado, USA.

Alytes 22: 85-94.


19

David S. Pilliod, PhD – Supervisory Research Ecologist USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Snake River Field Station, 970 Lusk Street, Boise, ID 83706; 208-426-5202 (office) Email: [email protected]

RESEARCH BACKGROUND I have been working on amphibian, wetland, and restoration research since 1995. My research focuses on wildlife ecology, fire ecology, restoration ecology, and conservation biology in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY 1995-2001 Ph.D. Ecology Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 1987-1991 B.A. Biology University of California, Santa Cruz, CA CURRENT AND RECENT POSITIONS HELD 2006-present Supervisory Research Ecologist, US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem

Science Center, Boise, ID 2008-present Adjunct Graduate Faculty, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University,

Boise, ID 2004-2006 Assistant Professor and Museum Curator of Herpetology, Department of Biological

Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

SELECT PUBLICATIONS Arkle, R.S., D.S. Pilliod, S.E. Hanser, M.L. Brooks, J.C. Chambers, J.B. Grace, K.C. Knutson, D.A. Pyke, J.L.

Welty, and T.A. Wirth. 2014. Quantifying restoration effectiveness using multi-scale habitat models: implications for sage-grouse in the Great Basin. Ecosphere 5(3):31.

Pilliod, D.S., C.S. Goldberg, R.S. Arkle, and L.P. Waits. 2014. Factors influencing detection of eDNA from a stream-dwelling amphibian. Molecular Ecology Resources 9: doi-10.1111/1755-0998.12159.

Hossack, B.R., M.J. Adams, C.A. Pearl, K. Wilson, E.L. Bull, K. Lohr, D. Patla, D.S. Pilliod, J. Jones, K. Wheeler, S. McKay, P.S. Corn. 2013. Roles of patch characteristics, drought frequency, and restoration in driving long-term trends of a widespread amphibian. Conservation Biology 27:1410-1420.

Pilliod, D.S., and R.S. Arkle. 2013. Performance of quantitative sampling methods across gradients of cover in Great Basin plant communities. Rangeland Ecology and Management 66:634-647.

Pilliod, D.S., C.S. Goldberg, R.S. Arkle, and L.P. Waits. 2013. Estimating occupancy and abundance of stream amphibians using environmental DNA from filtered water samples. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 70: 1123-1130.

Pilliod, D.S., J.L. Welty, and R. Stafford. 2013. Terrestrial movement patterns of western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) in central California. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 8: 207-221.

Pilliod, D.S., R.S. Arkle, and B.A. Maxell. 2013. Persistence and extirpation in invaded landscapes: patch characteristics and connectivity determine effects of non-native predatory fish on native salamanders. Biological Invasions 15:671-685.

Goldberg, C.S., D.S. Pilliod, R.S. Arkle, and L.P. Waits. 2011. Molecular detection of vertebrates in stream water- a demonstration using Rocky Mountain tailed frogs and Idaho giant salamanders. PLoS ONE 6: e22746. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0022746.

Hossack, B.R., and D.S. Pilliod. 2011. Amphibian responses to wildfire in the western United States- Emerging patterns from short-term studies. Fire Ecology 7: 129-144.


20

Muths, E., R.D. Scherer, and D.S. Pilliod. 2011. Compensatory effects of recruitment and survival when amphibian populations are perturbed by disease. Journal of Applied Ecology 48:873-879.

Arkle, R.S. and D.S. Pilliod. 2010. Prescribed fires as ecological surrogates for wildfires: a stream and riparian perspective. Forest Ecology and Management 259: 893-903.

Murphy, M.A., R. Dezzani, D.S. Pilliod, and A. Storfer. 2010. Landscape genetics of high mountain frog metapopulations. Molecular Ecology 19:3634-3649.

Pilliod, D.S., B.R. Hossack, P.F. Bahls, E.L. Bull, P.S. Corn, G. Hokit, B.A. Maxell, J.C. Munger, and A. Wyrick. 2010. Nonnative salmonids affect amphibian occupancy at multiple spatial scales. Diversity and Distributions 16:959-974.

Pilliod, D.S., E. Muths, R.D. Scherer, P.E. Bartelt, P.S. Corn, B.A. Hossack, B. Lambert, R. McCaffrey, and C. Gaughan. 2010. Effects of amphibian chytrid fungus on individual survival probability in wild boreal toads. Conservation Biology 24:1259-1267.

Shive, J.P., D.S. Pilliod, and C.R. Peterson. 2010. Hyperspectral analysis of Columbia spotted frog habitat. Journal Wildlife Management 74:1387-1394.

Stone, K., D.S., Pilliod, K. Dwire, C.C. Rhoades, S.P.Wollrab, and M.K. Young. 2010. Fuel reduction management practices in riparian areas of the western USA. Environmental Management 46:91-100.

Muths, E., D.S. Pilliod, and L. Livo. 2008. Distribution and environmental limitations of an amphibian pathogen in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Biological Conservation 141:1484-1492.

Petrisko, J.E., C.A. Pearl, D.S. Pilliod, P.P. Sheridan, C.F. Williams, C.R. Peterson, and R.B. Bury. 2008. Saprolegniaceae identified on amphibian eggs throughout the Pacific Northwest, USA, by internal transcribed spacer sequences and phylogenetic analysis. Mycologia 100:171-180.

Hossack, B.R., P.S. Corn, and D.S. Pilliod. 2005. Lack of significant changes in the herpetofauna of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, since the 1920s. American Midland Naturalist 154:423-432.

Funk, W.C., M.S. Blouin, P.S. Corn, B.A. Maxell, D.S. Pilliod, S. Amish, and F.W. Allendorf. 2005. Population structure of Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) is strongly affected by the landscape. Molecular Ecology 14:483-496.

Pilliod, D.S., R.B. Bury, E.J. Hyde, C.A. Pearl, and P.S. Corn. 2003. Fire and amphibians in North America. Forest Ecology and Management 178:163-181.

Pilliod, D.S., C.R. Peterson, and P.I. Ritson. 2002. Seasonal migration of Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) among complementary resources in a high mountain basin. Canadian Journal of Zoology 80:1849-1862.

Pilliod, D.S. 2002. Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) predation on tadpoles of the Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris). Northwestern Naturalist 83:59-61.

Pilliod, D.S., and C.R. Peterson. 2001. Local and landscape effects of introduced trout on amphibians in historically fishless watersheds. Ecosystems 4:322-333.

Documents

ASSESSMENT OF A PHASE II MITIGATION SITE: SYNTHESIS …...supply for birds and snakes and cascade down via decreased predation pressure on invertebrates). If constructed wetlands do